Submitting your resume online? Then you’re likely dealing with an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These automated systems scan, filter, and rank resumes before a human even sees them. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it could be rejected before it gets a chance.
The good news? With a few formatting tweaks and the right keywords, you can beat the bots and impress hiring managers.
🎯 Top 5 ATS Resume Tips
1. Skip the Templates
- Use a plain Word document (
.doc
format is best). - Avoid
.docx
, PDF, RTF, or image formats—some systems can’t read them.
2. Keep Formatting Simple
Avoid:
- Headers/footers (even for your contact info)
- Columns, tables, text boxes, and borders
- Symbols or accents (bullet points are OK)
3. Customize for Each Job
- Use the exact job title from the job description.
- Add specific keywords and phrases from the job post.
- Be precise—write “Adobe Photoshop,” not “image-editing software.”
4. Use Keywords in Context
- Don’t just list skills—use them in action-oriented bullet points.
- Example: “Led a team of designers using Adobe Photoshop to deliver client campaigns.”
5. Proofread Like a Pro
- Misspelled words = missed opportunity.
- Human reviewers will see your resume next, so keep it error-free.
âś… Additional Formatting Tips
- Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, Tahoma, or Georgia
- Stick with 11-point font or larger
- Dates should include months (e.g., 06/2020 – 08/2022)
- Align dates to the right
- Don’t include degrees next to your name (e.g., “Jane Doe, MBA”)
- Use ALL CAPS for section headers
- Write acronyms in full: Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Avoid: accents, punctuation in your name, or funky spacing
💡 Best Practices (Do’s & Don’ts)
âś… DO:
- Include certifications in progress (e.g., “Pursuing PMP certification”)
- Upload your resume when given the option (looks better than copy-paste)
- Add brief context about each company or role after job titles
- Monitor your spam folder for ATS confirmation emails
- Use bold, caps, and bullet points for readability—just don’t overdo it
❌ DON’T:
- Don’t add degrees or certifications to your name line
- Don’t fake skills to trick the system—you may be tested
- Don’t mix multiple fonts or font sizes
- Don’t submit plain
.txt
files—modern ATS can handle basic formatting
📎 Download: ATS-Friendly Resume Checklist (PDF)
Add a downloadable checklist here for extra value—something like a 1-page PDF summary of these tips.
📢 Final Thoughts
An optimized resume isn’t just about tricking the system—it’s about making your experience clear and easy to understand, whether a bot or a hiring manager is reading it.
Need a second set of eyes on your resume?
Contact us or book a resume review session and we’ll help you get interview-ready.
🔍
